manfromv:

We all agree that the speed of draw down and the number of troops remain are to be determined by the US and Iraqi field generals and not by politicians.

This is insane. The United States is not ruled by a military junta. The President and Secretary of Defense are both civilians (one elected, one appointed). Warfare is an instrument of policy. The speed of the drawdown and number of troops that remain will be in alignment with the policy that the United States' civilian leaders wish to implement in the region. The U.S. and Iraqi field generals will have input into this policy, but they will not determine it.